"Pizzuti proposes Short North hotel" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Pizzuti proposes Short North hotel
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
February 14, 2008

A local developer wants to build a hotel in the Short North across from Goodale Park, a major project that also would include a cultural center, office building and parking garage.

Pizzuti Cos. will unveil the project tonight to the Victorian Village Commission. It would occupy nearly an entire block of the Short North that includes the 1920s building housing the Order of the United Commercial Travelers of America, a fraternal society that offers insurance to its members...

"Farnham, SoundCom get contracts for Huntington Park" Business First of Columbus

Link: Farnham, SoundCom get contracts for Huntington Park
Business First of Columbus
February 13, 2008

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners this week approved contracts with two Ohio companies that will put in spectator seats and audio-visual services at the Huntington Park baseball stadium under construction in Columbus' Arena District.

Commissioners awarded Westerville-based Farnham Equipment Co. a $659,000 contract to install fixed seating at the 10,000-seat park, where the Columbus Clippers of the International League are scheduled to begin playing in April 2009. Cleveland-based SoundCom Systems was awarded a $658,811 contract to install speakers, broadcast cabling system gear and provide work related to the park's sound and television systems...

"Police seek public input on gangs in Columbus" ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Link: Police seek public input on gangs in Columbus
Gaylon Vickers
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
February 14, 2008

Columbus police are asking the public to provide information on suspected gang activity. The police division has established a hotline at 645-GANG (4264) for residents to report any tips.

"We're looking for anything related to a group of individuals who are calling themselves a gang, who are representing themselves as a gang or who are dressing all the same," said Lt. Joseph Schrader, supervisor of the Strategic Response Bureau's investigative unit.

The division is conducting a six-month pilot project using the GANG hotline...

"Council approves South Side amendment" ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Link: Council approves South Side amendment
David J. Cross
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
February 14, 2008

Columbus City Council unanimously voted Monday to amend the city's South Side Plan to include the remaining portion of Merion Village and Schumacher Place.

The initial plan, completed in 2002, included the southern part of Merion Village. With council's vote, the remainder of Merion Village and Schumacher Place were brought into the fold, and as such can benefit from future plans for the South Side...

"Commercial Building Boom May Be Coming to an End" RealEstateJournal.com

Link: Commercial Building Boom May Be Coming to an End
Nick Timiraos
RealEstateJournal.com
February 14, 2008

For the past several years, as residential construction nearly collapsed, commercial construction continued to grow, helping to keep contractors busy and regional economies growing. Now, nonresidential construction spending may be headed for a decline.

A recent report by the Census Bureau showed that spending on commercial construction projects -- hotels, office buildings, hospitals and other nonresidential construction -- was running at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $671 billion in December. That was essentially flat with November and brings to an end 14 consecutive months of growth in spending on commercial construction.

Economists say the latest numbers reinforce concerns that the commercial building boom, exemplified by lines of construction cranes clogging cities all across the U.S., is coming to an end. "Even if we avoid a recession, nonresidential construction will go negative this year," says Edward Sullivan, chief economist of the Portland Cement Association, a North American trade group. "If there's a recession, it will go even more negative."...

"Education department slashing $100 million from budget" WSYX ABC 6

Link: Education department slashing $100 million from budget
WSYX ABC 6
February 13, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Money for school buses, professional development for teachers and technology support for districts will be slashed as the state education department looks to cut 100 million dollars from its budget.

Governor Strickland ordered state agencies to trim budgets after economic forecasts predicted the state would face at least a 733 million dollars shortfall by June 2009...

"Strickland calls for biz regulation overhaul" Business First of Columbus

Link: Strickland calls for biz regulation overhaul
Business First of Columbus
February 12, 2008

Gov. Ted Strickland on Tuesday signed an executive order aimed at easing businesses' regulatory hurdles - and making the state a better place to do business.

The order, which will remain in effect during Strickland's term as governor, outlines principles and standards that state agencies will be using to develop rules and regulations for businesses. The move comes a year after Strickland established a reform initiative along the same lines called Advantage Ohio...

"3CDC pursuing $81M in federal, state tax credits" Business Courier of Cincinnati

Link: 3CDC pursuing $81M in federal, state tax credits
Lucy May
Business Courier of Cincinnati
February 8, 2008

The Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. will seek $75 million in New Markets Tax Credits to continue its redevelopment work in Over-the-Rhine and downtown north of Fifth Street.

The economic development agency, known as 3CDC, won a $50 million New Markets Tax Credits allocation in 2004. But the agency essentially has used up those credits on its revitalization of Fountain Square and development of condos and commercial space in Over-the-Rhine, said 3CDC President and CEO Stephen Leeper.

A new allocation would give 3CDC more financial muscle to continue its work along Vine Street, as well as its planned developments around Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine, he said...

...Over the past 30 months, 3CDC and the city have invested more than $70 million in Over-the-Rhine. About $56 million of that has been private investment through the Cincinnati Equity Fund and the New Markets Tax Credit Fund managed by 3CDC, Leeper said...

Enterprise Makes New Markets Tax Credits Investment to Create up to 700 Affordable Homes in Columbus, Ohio

press release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – February 7, 2008 – Enterprise Community Investment, Inc., (Enterprise) announced today a strategic investment of $9.5 million using New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) to assist Columbus Housing Partnership in financing the construction or rehabilitation of up to 700 affordable homes in Columbus, Ohio, over seven years. Investing with Enterprise in the project are national corporate partners Nationwide, Huntington Bank and World Financial Network National Bank, a subsidiary of Alliance Data, along with the City of Columbus and the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County.

“Columbus Housing Partnership is a long-time partner of Enterprise and we look forward to partnering with CHP to create these affordable homes for local families earning less than 80 percent of area median income,” said Charles R. Werhane, vice chairman and chief operating officer at Enterprise Community Investment, Inc. “In addition to homes, this project creates construction and service jobs that will help boost the local economy.”

The homes will be developed by the Columbus Housing Partnership (CHP) and its Homeport division, and the Central Ohio Housing Development Organization over a seven-year period and will include targeted communities in central city neighborhoods. Total development costs could exceed $80 million. Other sources of financing include local subsidies, which are critical to making the project feasible.

This development will partner with the City of Columbus’ Home Again initiative to improve city neighborhoods and increase homeownership opportunities. With more than 4,100 vacant homes, the Home Again program seeks to rehabilitate vacant properties for productive use, facilitate homeownership and prevent the decline and disinvestment in city communities.

“With committed, visionary partners like Enterprise, Columbus Housing Partnership and the City of Columbus, the decision to invest was a sound choice,” said Tom Hoaglin, chairman and CEO of Huntington Bank. “Housing is such a critical building block of great neighborhoods and great cities but, more importantly, a strong foundation for families to grow strong.”

“Building up neighborhoods starts with quality, affordable housing, and it takes partnerships like this to get the job done,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “We’re bringing together public and private investment in ways that will greatly impact the quality of life for families as they step into their new homes.”

The $9.5 million investment utilizing new markets tax credits will be loaned to Homeport and the Central Ohio Housing Development Organization to be “recycled” throughout the seven-year NMTC compliance period, during which up to 700 homes will be constructed or rehabilitated over seven years. Proceeds from home sales will be used to finance the next set of homes until loan maturity.

“Proactively meeting the needs of our community is at the very heart of our corporate values,” said Dan Groomes, president of World Financial Network National Bank. “We are deeply committed to making our communities better places to live and work and we are proud to build on our long-term relationship with steadfast partners like Columbus Housing Partnership.”

“Nationwide is proud to work with Columbus Housing Partnership, Enterprise, the City of Columbus and the corporate community on this critical initiative to revitalize Columbus neighborhoods,” said Robert Maloney, vice president of Nationwide’s commercial real estate investments. “It is vitally important for our community to ensure that all families have access to affordable and quality housing.”

The NMTC program is administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) to attract private capital investment into the nation’s low-income communities to help finance development projects, stimulate economic growth and create jobs. Enterprise is a national leader in affordable housing and community development, investing its $515 million in NMTC allocations in projects nationwide.

“Without private investment, providing Columbus residents with affordable housing in centrally located neighborhoods would not be possible at a large-scale,” said Amy D. Klaben, president and CEO of Columbus Housing Partnership. “Columbus Housing Partnership is looking forward to the work ahead in creating new opportunities for safe, decent and affordable housing for our community.”
Columbus Housing Partnership

Established in 1987, CHP is a private, nonprofit organization that provides quality, affordable housing and related services to low- and moderate- income households in Columbus and the surrounding area. Founded on the belief that a decent and affordable home is the cornerstone of family life and a healthy community, CHP has developed 4,000 single- and multifamily affordable homes to serve 23,000 people. CHP also offers homeownership and foreclosure counseling, community health clinics and operates a large community safety program with more than 30 AmeriCorps volunteers. For more information, visit www.chpcolumbus.org.

Enterprise is a leading provider of the development capital and expertise it takes to create decent, affordable homes and rebuild communities. For 25 years, Enterprise has pioneered neighborhood solutions through public-private partnerships with financial institutions, governments, community organizations and others that share our vision. Enterprise has raised and invested $8 billion in equity, grants and loans to help build or preserve 225,000 affordable rental and for-sale homes to create vital communities. Enterprise is currently investing in communities at a rate of $1 billion a year. Visit www.enterprisecommunity.org and www.enterprisecommunity.com to learn more about Enterprise's efforts to build communities and opportunity.

EfficienCity: A Climate-Friendly Town

Great piece of edutainment put out by Greenpeace on the parts and pieces that can make up an energy efficient city. Very interesting stuff.

"Olentangy clean-up effort idled with absence of cash from feds" Business First of Columbus

Link: Olentangy clean-up effort idled with absence of cash from feds
Jeff Bell
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

Columbus officials are crying foul over what they fear could be the loss of $1.2 million from the federal government that they were counting on to pay for a water clean-up project on the Olentangy River.

Without the federal dollars, the Fifth Avenue lowhead dam removal project could be shelved indefinitely, said Columbus Public Utilities Director Tatyana Arsh.

"We do not plan to finance it with (water and sewer) rate-payer money," she said. "It's always been our position that we that we need to find a funding partner."...

Columbus Bicentennial Dream It Do It 2012 Neighborhood Meetings

Mayor Michael B. Coleman's Dream It Do It Bicentennial 2012 Commission wants to hear from you. The five meetings listed below are the last chance to give your input on how to make Columbus a leading 21st century city. It was clear from the Citizen Summit that neighborhoods are critical to the success of this city so come out and tell the 2012 commission:

What will make our neighborhoods great?

The year 2012 marks the 200th anniversary of the City of Columbus. To prepare for the bicentennial, Mayor Coleman has launched the visioning process “Dream It. Do It.” to enhance the quality of life throughout Columbus.

The project is led by the Columbus 2012 Bicentennial Commission which has heard from thousands of residents about what it takes to make Columbus a leading 21st Century city. Now the City wants to learn about your neighborhood.

You can make your voice heard by attending the Neighborhood Meeting closest to you:

1. Northwest Columbus
   Tuesday, February 19 (6–8:30pm) Centennial High School (1441 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220)
2. East Columbus
   Tuesday, February 19 (6–8:30pm) Eastmoor High School (417 Weyant, Columbus, OH 43227)
3. Northeast Columbus
   Thursday, February 21 (6–8:30pm) Mifflin High School (3245 Oak Spring Road, Columbus, OH 43229)
4. South Columbus
   Thursday, February 21 (6–8:30pm) Parsons Elementary (3231 Lee Ellen Place, Columbus, OH 43207)
5. West Columbus
   Thursday, February 21 (6–8:30pm) West Mound Elementary (2051 West Mound Street, Columbus OH 43204)

At the meeting participants will discuss the qualities of great neighborhoods and prioritize these qualities. Your ideas will influence the Bicentennial Commission’s recommendations to achieve the community’s vision for the future.

For more information about the meetings, or to RSVP (preferred but not required) please visit the project website at http://columbus2012.org or call 614-424-6204

"Coleman names panel to study city's finances" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Coleman names panel to study city's finances
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
February 12, 2008

...The mayor called for the panel in November when he submitted a delicately balanced 2008 budget to the City Council and suggested that everything — including an income-tax increase — must be considered to make ends meet in the future.

At least one of the panel’s members, City Auditor Hugh J. Dorrian, already has suggested that a tax increase is the only way to stave off severe service cuts in coming years.

Coleman said today that neighborhood services and employee benefits are among topics for the group to address. A similar group he appointed in 2001 recommended billing city residents for emergency-medical runs and charging city workers more for their health coverage...

Mayor Coleman, City Council and Auditor Dorrian Form Economic Advisory Committee

Diverse team to study City finances and recommend long-term strategies to maintain balanced budgets and quality neighborhood services

press release
(Columbus)  A team is coming together with backgrounds from neighborhood leadership, managing businesses, accounting, providing social services, and planning municipal finances, to help the City of Columbus plot a long-term course to maintain its history of balanced budgets, economic growth and the continued delivery of quality neighborhood services.  Mayor Michael B. Coleman today joined with City Council President Michael C. Mentel, Councilmember Kevin L. Boyce and City Auditor Hugh J. Dorrian to announce the creation of the Economic Advisory Committee.

“Every neighborhood service, every employee benefit, every investment and every option needs to be looked at by this 15-member Committee as we plan for Columbus’ economic future and continue our promise to be fiscally conservative with the taxpayers’ dollar,” said Mayor Coleman.

The Committee will begin meeting by the end of February, and research City expenditures, revenues and potential future changes to both that will allow budgets to remain balanced and on track with growing operational costs.

"Given the current economic conditions, it is prudent to convene this diverse cross-section of community leaders to make sure that City government is doing everything possible to maximize our resources and streamline the delivery of essential city services," said Council President Michael C. Mentel.

The Committee will also study concernsa of a budgetary structural imbalance to understand the true gap between revenues and expenses and what can be done to eliminate the problem.

"It's a privilege to join such a distinguished group of Columbus citizens to plan for our City's financial future,” said Auditor Hugh Dorrian.

The Committee will issue a report to the City in late 2008 or early 2009, recommending action steps that can enacted as early as 2009.

"The time has come for us to fully assess the needs of our city and even more importantly to develop a plan to address those needs,” said Councilmember Kevin L. Boyce.  “This committee made of experts and community leaders will help guide the discussion and make recommendations toward that end."

ECONOMIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE:

1. Hugh J. Dorrian, Columbus City Auditor
2. Kevin L. Boyce, Chair, City Council Finance & Management Committee
3. Joel Taylor, Director, Department of Finance & Management
4. Joe Alutto, Executive VP and Provost, The Ohio State University
5. Darrell Gammell, Business Representative, Plumbers and Pipe fitters Local Union 189
6. Chris Gawronski, Clintonville Area Commission
7. Eddie Harrell, Jr., President, Columbus Urban League
8. Jesse M. Hemphill, CPA, Hemphill & Associates
9. Bob Howarth, Attorney, Shoemaker & Howarth, LLP, Chair
10. Carl Kohrt, President and CFO, Battelle
11. Bill LaFayette, Vice President Economic Analysis, Columbus Chamber
12. Barbara Poppe, Executive Director, Community Shelter Board
13. Susan Tomasky, President, AEP Transmission
14. Philip H. Urban, President and CEO, Grange Insurance Companies
15. Tiffany White, North Central Area Commission

"Campus Partners snaps up more properties along North High Street" Business First of Columbus

Link: Campus Partners snaps up more properties along North High Street
[account required]
Brain R. Ball
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

...The university's nonprofit real estate affiliate bought five properties with about 40 leased apartments at North High Street and West Ninth Avenue on Feb. 1 for more than $1.9 million. The deal follows Campus Partners' purchase of 19 properties along East Ninth and Eighth avenues in recent years.

"Because of the location, they're properties that Campus Partners is interested in for the long term, " said Doug Aschenbach, executive vice president.

While Campus Partners demolished 10 vacant rental buildings east of High Street, the most recent batch of properties will generate income for the organization as it considers redevelopment prospects for the parcels.

"We don't have any specific plans," Aschenbach said...

North Market Welcomes Four New Members to Board of Trustees

The North Market Development Authority is pleased to announce its incoming board members for 2008, Walker Evans, John Lewis, Ellen Ramlet and Pete Scantland.
 
Walker Evans is the founder of ColumbusUnderground.com, and a creative consultant. He is a long-time urban enthusiast and proponent of downtown revitalization through civic action. Walker also serves on the Young Professionals Commission created by the Mayor's Office, and several committees with the Columbus Metropolitan Club. He lives in the King-Lincoln District downtown with his wife Anne and 4-month old son Desmond.

John Lewis started his career at The Dispatch Printing Company in 1996. He has held various positions related to database marketing and research. He now oversees this area for the Dispatch as the Director of Research & Database Marketing, a position he has held since October 2006. John has been with the Dispatch Companies his entire professional career. Prior to joining the Dispatch he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business-Marketing from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. John is a member of the United Way Young Leaders Group, International Newspaper Marketing Association, Direct Marketing Association and Newspaper Association of America. John lives in London, Ohio with his wife Terrie and daughter Abbigail.

Pete Scantland is the President of Orange Barrel Media. Pete founded OBM with the belief that both advertisers and the public are better served by incorporating a high degree of artistry into the urban experience. Since that time, OBM has created some of the most memorable, colorful, and downright effective advertising in Columbus. From a MINI Cooper launching from a slingshot on Long Street, to a Soccer ball crashing through a condo building on High, to the new Broad and High project that will restore the historic Broad and High corner to its former glory, OBM has been busy since its founding in 2004. Pete has a BA in photography from Elon University in North Carolina. He lives in German Village.

Ellen A. Ramlet is an Appointed Officer at Nationwide Insurance on the Corporate Information Technology staff.  She has been with Nationwide for 26 years, serving in several line and staff roles.  Ellen is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Arizona State University, and she was also awarded an MBA from OSU.  Ellen recently completed 10 years on the Board of the Ohio Council for Economic Education.  She has also served on the Boards of the German Village Foundation and the Nationwide Federal Credit Union. Prior to joining Nationwide, she was employed by Battelle.  Ellen resides
in Upper Arlington.

In operation since 1876, the North Market is Columbus’ only true public market.  More than 30 merchants offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers and other specialty food items.  The Market also provides a unique selection of freshly prepared foods, distinctive gifts and personable service from owner/operators.  The North Market is open daily and located steps away from the Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena.

5th Annual Fiery Foods Festival at the North Market

Columbus, Ohio— Are you feeling hot, hot, HOT?! Probably not as it is winter and all that...but you can, can, CAN raise your temperature at the North Market’s 5th annual Fiery Foods Festival on Saturday, February 16. We’re bringing the heat with every manner of spicy food available from our vendors around the Market.

Want to bring a little heat of your own? Customers can prove their chili cooking acumen in our Customer Chili Cook-off. The competition will garner the first place winner $100 and the runner up $50 in North Market gift certificates. In its third year the Chef Chili Challenge pits local chefs against one another as contenders for the title “North Market Chili Champ 2007,” a special trophy and $200 in North Market gift certificates.  Participating chefs include representatives of Alana’s Food + Wine, Basi Italia, Café Corner, and L’Antibes. We are sure to have many more chef entrants by competition time! Entrants to both cooking contests must include at least three ingredients obtained from the North Market (as verified by receipts). 

“It’s always a hot time at the North Market, but especially so during our Fiery Foods Festival. The theme is interpreted widely by our merchants who translate it in ways from zippy and authentic ethnic foods to spicy chocolates, cheeses and bakery goods.” said David Wible, Executive Director of the North Market. 

Fiery Foods Festival Schedule:

• 8 a.m. North Market opens, Urban Chefs and Sauce Cartel are special vendors today only
• 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Cooking demonstrations in the Dispatch Kitchen (dubbed CaJohns Kitchen for the day) by John Hard of CaJohns Flavor & Fire
• 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., musical entertainment by the Gadabouts
• 11 a.m. Free maracas, sombreros, balloons and chili-pepper shaped cookies for the kids (while supplies last)
• 11 a.m. Professional Chili Cook-off judging of local chefs
• 12 p.m.  Amateur Chili Cook-off
• 1 – 4 p.m., Caribbean music by the Island Breeze Duo.
• Hot and spicy foods featured throughout the North Market all day
• 2-4 p.m., Spicy Cooking for Singles class sponsored by Columbus Alive

The North Market Fiery Foods Festival on Saturday, February 16 is a free event.  Festival activities will take place from 10a.m.-3p.m. Market hours are 8a.m. – 5 p.m.  To participate in the Customer Chili Cook-off or the Chef Chili Challenge and for more information, please call (614) 463-9664 or visit www.northmarket.com.  A tasting fee of $5 enables onlookers to sample all of the chilis by both professional chefs and amateur contestants while supplies last.

"Parking is pricier at City Center garages" The Columbus Dispatch

Short-term sacrifices for long-term gain. We have to keep in mind that the city of Columbus no longer has a company paying rent on the City Center Mall and, if I'm not mistaken, the garage is one of the only avenues to income for the property at this point.

Since the city has things rolling with RiverSouth now and are currently in the planning stages with City Center itself, I just see this as a way of patching a big funding gap as all the other pieces of the City Center and RiverSouth plan are patched together and put into motion:

Link: Parking is pricier at City Center garages
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
February 11, 2008

...Standard Parking, the company that Capitol South recently hired to run the garages, raised hourly prices overnight last week. It eliminated the low rates in favor of higher charges, which it thinks the market will bear. The first three hours now cost $5 in the garage under the mall and $4 for the Rich Street garage.

The move angered lots of motorists, facility manager Greg Goss said.

"I expected people to yell and scream," he said. "We heard it all day long."...

"Web site tracks crime hot spots" The Columbus Dispatch

This is the best tool for visualizing crime data in the Columbus area that I have seen to date:

Link: Web site tracks crime hot spots
Brian Bergstein
The Columbus Dispatch
February 11, 2008

...The free site relies mainly on police departments paying $100 or $200 a month, depending on their size, to have CrimeReports.com extract the information from their internal systems and publish it online. Public Engines LLC, Whisenant's seven-person company in Salt Lake City, pledges to post no ads on the site.

About 40 law-enforcement agencies have signed up. The site also posts information from departments such as one in Chicago that do not pay Public Engines because they had built their own links into their records. Columbus is the only Ohio city providing crime data through the Web site...

"Clean Ohio Fund would get boost as part of Strickland's jobs plan" Business First of Columbus

If Governor Strickland's plan makes it though, it will mean good things for downtown revitalization's across the state. Between the continued funding of the successful Clean Ohio fund and the proposed funds for downtown revitalization efforts, I for one am encouraged by an apparent concern for the infrastrucutre and cities we already have as opposed to a focus on the easy path of short-term growth that is supplied by a suburban-centric approach:

Link: Clean Ohio Fund would get boost as part of Strickland's jobs plan
[account required]
Jeff Bell
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

...Since its inception, Clean Ohio has included four rounds of funding at $100 million a round, DeMora said. Some $50 million a round has gone to brownfields revitalization, with the rest divided among so-called green projects such as farmland preservation, recreational trails and greenspace projects that protect natural habitats and improve water quality...

...Strickland said his stimulus package would create more than 80,000 jobs and lay a foundation for prosperity in Ohio. Besides the Clean Ohio Fund, the package would include:

• $400 million to help communities with road, bridge, water and sewer projects.
• $250 million for development of Ohio's advanced and renewable energy economy, including wind, solar and clean-coal projects.
• $200 million to the biomedical industry.
• $200 million for redevelopment of downtowns in cities and villages.
• $150 million for the state's roads, rails and ports to support the logistics industry.

..."Without the Clean Ohio Fund," Katz said, "no developer could have taken that site and turned it into something like we're trying to do. It would have just stood there empty, dragging down the neighborhood." ...

"Bond plan may help salvage 'brownfields'" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Bond plan may help salvage 'brownfields'
Spencer Hunt
The Columbus Dispatch
February 8, 2008

A popular state program that pays for conservation and industrial-site cleanup projects could get a second life from Gov. Ted Strickland.

The governor's bond proposal, announced during his State of the State speech Wednesday, would spend $400 million on the Clean Ohio Fund, which is nearly depleted.

Voters first approved $400 million for it in 2000...

...Almost $18 million has gone to nine brownfield cleanups in Columbus...

Here are the sites around the downtown area that have received funding from this program to date:

View Larger Map

"TechColumbus puts $1.2M into firms; agency readies satellite offices" Business First of Columbus

This is definitely good news for the region, but one of my own personal missions is to see downtown either get its own branch or create its own initiative for incubating small businesses in the Central Business District. Actually, lots of small spaces in City Center...that would make a great TechBiz incubator. You really wouldn't have to do too much to the place. I'll start drafting my plans :) :

Link: TechColumbus puts $1.2M into firms; agency readies satellite offices
[account required]
Kevin Kemper
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

Five Central Ohio startup businesses are getting cash infusions from TechColumbus, and more young companies should soon be in line for aid as the technology incubator opens two satellilte offices.

Executives at TechColumbus said the organization funded five companies with nearly $1.2 million.

The agency also plans to find more deals with regional entrepreneurs through offices in Dublin and New Albany scheduled to open in the next three months.

"One of our objectives is to turn Central Ohio into a hotbed of new-company formation," said Ted Ford, TechColumbus' CEO...

"ColumbusChamber completes lease deal at Lazarus building" Business First of Columbus

Link: ColumbusChamber completes lease deal at Lazarus
[account required]
in article Campus Partners snaps up more properties along North High Street
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

The ColumbusChamber has completed a lease deal to move into a part of the former Lazarus department store downtown but has yet to finalize a move date.

The business association will fill 14,000 square feet on the second floor of the building off West Town and South Front streets, said spokeswoman Susan Merryman.

The chamber will share the offices with the Columbus Downtown Development Corp. and the city Department of Development's economic development office.

The move to the Lazarus building is expected to occur by late this year, Merryman said.

"We still have not sold our building" at 37 N. High St., she said.

Marriot's Residence Inn on Gay St. Slated to Open in February

Marriot's 126 room Residence Inn on Gay St., in the former Buckeye Finance building, is slated to open February 20th according to another snippet in the print edition of Business First last Friday. They still do not have a commercial tenant for their massive ground floor space.

The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades

Over the next 20 years, here in Columbus things are going to change. How they are going to change and to what degree is completely unknown and unwritten. Who will be leading the city, what companies will be here, our metropolitan's success or demise...all unknown.

That to me is pretty exciting prospect in and off itself.

What the unknown really means is unlimited opportunity. Opportunity to experience that future, opportunity to engage in it and most importantly, the opportunity to influence it is such a real possibility to me that I can taste it every morning when I get out of bed. I sprinkle it on my Cheerios: It's the opportunity drives me.

Looking forward to that future, I can today already see some of the figures emerging that represent the team that will be needed to fill the frontlines of the business, creative and social ranks (following the entrepreneurialism, innovation and social opportunity theme from last week) that will be responsible for making Columbus a continually thriving city in the years to come.

In the past couple of years there are 3 people in particular who have stood out in my mind whose efforts, passion and drive for what they do has, what I am suggesting, is the ability to do more for attracting people to this city than any campaign, slogan or fancy Web site could ever do. Each of them has seized an opportunity and turned it into something very tangible for themselves and for Columbus.

As I mentioned last week, it's the people that attract people, not plans and campaigns or videos. Governments provide the framework and tools, but it is the PEOPLE that build cities. I am talking about things far beyond buildings and infrastructure in this context of city building. People who build cities attract people.

What I am not going to do is go into an deep biography of this first round draft for the All-Star team of what I consider to be Columbus' current people magnets, nor am I going to suggest they are the only ones in Columbus. There are scores of people that I would recruit for this All-Star team for Columbus' tomorrow, but I currently haven't had the pleasure of crossing their paths...yet. Some day I hope to change that, but that is a story for another day...

So who are these city builders? I'll break them down into my overly-simplified 3-category system of city building:

ENTREPRENEURIALISM

Liz Lessner
Owner, Founder and Serial Entrepreneur behind Betty's Fine Food and Spirits (Short North), Surly Girl Saloon (Short North) and Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails (Downtown)

Liz represents the highest form of the entrepreneurial spirit that we need to see more of in Columbus. I've only met and talked with Liz a few times, but it's her actions that speak volumes in this city. She is on numerous boards and committees with various organzations and her drive and commitment to the downtown and surrounding areas are really inspiring examples of what focus and drive can do in a city with great opportunities. Liz is not only an entrepreneur but a "place maker" whose establishments create experiences for people and draw them back downtown again and again. Truly a story to tell that represents Columbus' finest and the type of folk that we need more of here in Columbus.

INNOVATION

Mike Reed
Junctionview Studios, Couchfire Collective, Indie Art Capital of the World Co-creator

Mike is actually a friend of mine, so I might be biased, but his efforts on the independent art scene and his constant vigilance at making a value-added, lasting difference in the things that he takes on always result in his ability to make changes for the better. Mike's innovation and involvement with evolving a slogan deeming Columbus the "Independent Art Capital of the World" all the way up through adoption of the phrase by Columbus City Council represents more than the ability to collect enough voices together to take an idea to reality, but truly represents the idea of thinking outside of the box. For Mike, there is no box. Expect to see many more great things from this bicycling, pony-tailed, independent spirit.

SOCIAL OPPORTUNITY

Walker Evans
Founder, Moderator and Social Catalyst behind Columbusunderground.com

I've watched the evolution of Walker's Web site and discussion forum over the past 4 years as I've ebbed and flowed with my own efforts here on RetroMetro. I know firsthand the time and commitment it takes to keep a Web presence up and running, never mind a social digital forum that seeks to inform and share thoughts and discussions on all the inner-workings of the people's city of Columbus 24 hours a day. Walker has, over the past few years, continued to evolve his "city and social" portal far beyond the confines of the digital world of the Internet into the real world through various events and activities that have brought many of the folks and connections that were made through his site together at various "places" throughout the city. Walker's dedication and creation of what I call "social opportunity" leads by example through his growing involvement in a number of boards and committees that are working towards a better Columbus. Walker has claimed a chunk of the city to care for and continues to rally folks together to discuss, meet and socialize...all to the end of making Columbus a much more real and approachable place to live. 

Creating continued opportunity for, supporting and embracing the sorts of people like Liz, Mike and Walker represent what I believe to be the most important piece for the groups, organizations and government initiatives that are currenlty working to draw in new people and businesses to Columbus to be working on.

Think "government meets grassroots."

We're talking about a new hybrid form of public-private collaboration that I have yet to see come to full fruition. There are some promising starts but we have a ways to go.

For the moment though, take solace in the fact that there are those like Liz, Mike and Walker that are out there today making a difference and building the Columbus that we all want to see continue to grow and develop in the years to come.

Postcards from the Past: The Ohio State Penitentiary

Discovering, learning and promoting local Columbus history has been an initiative that I've wanted to kick off for some time here on RetroMetro. After all, urban revitalization is sort of my thing around here :) There is a lot about this city and its heritage that we all don't know. There is a lot of very rich history that we are missing. I want to do what I can to connect the city with its roots as we move forward into the future, especially coming up on the 2012 Bicentennial.

I'm of a mind that there is a lot we can do to establish a foundation for a part of what I feel is a missing sense of historical identity for Columbus by looking back at where we've come from. I'll dive into a deeper written piece on the topic in the near future, but to get things rolling I'm going to be posting items I'm helping scan into the archives of the Columbus Historical Society's collection as my little effort to promote, preserve and embrace a very rich and what almost seems to be nearly forgotten history.

Right now I'm working on a collection of postcards that was given to the Columbus Historical Society in recent years. You'll get to enjoy the fruits of my labors over the coming weeks. Right now, the plan is to post at least one item a week, at least on Mondays.

The front of the postcard you can see above. To see the back of the postcard, continue on to the rest of this posting.

"THE OHIO STATE PENITENTIARY is located in Columbus, a short distance from the center of the city"

If you have an interest in Columbus history and you have any old photos, memorabilia, artifacts, slides, old letters, postcards or anything of a historical nature, and you are looking to find them a good home, please get in touch with me by e-mailing me here.

Any material I receive will be passed along to the Columbus Historical Society based upon the items (if the Society is interested in them) and your wishes.

Please be sure to check out and support the Columbus Historical Society by visiting their Web site. They are always looking for support, both financially and through volunteering.

You can also keep your eye on RetroMetro as I continue (and look forward to) working with CHS to bring Columbus' history back into the present and integrate it into our future in a more prominent and enduring manner.

"Armeni hopes his newest project makes mark at Short North entrance" Business First of Columbus

Link: Armeni hopes his newest project makes mark at Short North entrance
Brian R Ball
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

Short North developer Joe Armeni will edge into the southern reaches of the University District in Columbus this spring when he finishes transforming a Masonic lodge building into 25 condominiums.

Armeni's New Victorians Inc. bought the former York Lodge No. 563 at 1276 N. High St. three years ago for $500,000 and spent more than two years getting variances to permit reuse of the property as housing along a commercial corridor.

The York on High project, just south of East Sixth Avenue, marks a departure from Armeni's emphasis on developing housing in the Short North. But the developer said the former lodge likely will capture buyers interested in its proximity to the Short North rather than the area around Ohio State University...

"County hid bidding records, contractor's 2nd suit claims" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: County hid bidding records, contractor's 2nd suit claims
Barbara Carmen
The Columbus Dispatch
February 9, 2008

Franklin County commissioners have played keep-away with public records detailing their decision to throw out the low bidder for plumbing and ventilation contracts at the county's new baseball stadium, according to a lawsuit filed late yesterday.

Earlier this month, Judge Richard A. Frye ruled that commissioners were within their rights to disqualify TP Mechanical Contractors. Yesterday's lawsuit outlined new information that TP said bolsters its claim that the first trial was tarnished...

Snippets: University District Kroger and Development at N. High and Fifth Ave

This is just a snippet from another article I quoted today that refers to the proposed renovation of the Kroger's in the University District at King and N. High St. and the proposed commercial development for the former gas station at the northeast corner of Fifth Ave. and N. High:

Link: Armeni hopes his newest project makes mark at Short North entrance
Brian R. Ball
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

...In the meantime, Kroger Co. has tentative plans to redevelop its grocery store at High and East Seventh Avenue, while Columbus developer Day Cos. has its plans approved by the city for an 8,000-square-foot commercial development on the site of a demolished gas station at East Fifth and High...

"City ready to boost the arts" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: City ready to boost the arts
Michael Grossberg and Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
February 8, 2008

Columbus City Council members are expected to announce financial support today for several cultural groups, including the struggling Columbus Symphony.

The money, which would come mostly from higher-than-expected hotel-room tax revenue, is likely to be matched by Franklin County commissioners and corporate donors.

"We're all in this together," said Councilwoman Priscilla Tyson, who wouldn't give details of the funding but noted that local arts leaders were invited to a 10:30 a.m. announcement at City Hall...

"City helps arts organizations" WOSU

Link: City helps arts organizations
Alaina Busch
WOSU
February 8, 2008

...The CCLC received $700,00 from Columbus City Council as part of its 2008 budget amendments.

Councilman Kevin Boyce says more than $350 million of the city's economy is generated by Columbus' creative community. He says an economic review committe will be set up to anayze future arts funding which could mean a change in the law.

Press Southworth, director of Opera Columbus, is the consortium's leader. He says if county and corporate sponsors match the city's support, the CCLC will have $2.8 million dollars to allocate to its organizations. He says the symphony could receive about $1.1 million. That's the largest chunk of funds but still not enough to make up for the symphony's projected budget shortfall. The board recently came up with a plan to cut about two dozen musicians and shorten the performance season to make up for the deficit. Southworth says that plan will still proceed and, along with the CCLC funds, will help the symphony stabilize for now...

CMC p.m.: Columbus Identity Crisis

Almost everyone agrees that Columbus is not really known outside of the city as anyone thing in particular, except maybe where Ohio State is located Several local groups have been wortUng to brand the dty. Countless other com¬panies and individuals do their own recruiting to convince others to move here. This forum will address the cur¬rent and future identity of Columbus:

How is it developed? By whom is it developed? How is it marketed?

Date/Time:
Tuesday, February 19
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Location:
Capital Club of Columbus
41 South High Street, Downtown

Moderator:
Bill Faust
Ologie

Panelists:
Susan Merryman
Columbus Chamber of Commerce

Mike Reed
Indie Arts Capital of the World

Tickets are $5 for CMC, YPC, YEB and Capital Club Members
Tickets are $10 for Guests and General Public

More info at www.ColumbusMetroClub.org
CMCpm is underwritten by National City Bank

"Indie-focused chain to take over Gateway theater" Business First of Columbus

Link: Indie-focused chain to take over Gateway theater
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

A California movie theater operator that specializes in independent films will take over management of the South Campus Gateway's seven-screen cinema, the theater's owner said Friday.

Gateway owner Campus Partners for Community Urban Redevelopment said Los Angeles-based Landmark Theatres will take over management in March from Columbus' Drexel Theatres Group. Campus Partners, an Ohio State University-established redevelopment organization, on Tuesday said it would end Drexel's more than two-year stint as the Gateway's manager in an effort to boost its conference and event business.

Campus Partners said it chose Landmark, new to the state with the deal, for its experience in the conference and banquet business. The developer last May opened a 6,400-square-foot extension of the theater's conference area that accomodates more than 300 people...

"City Council can prevent 26 layoffs" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: City Council can prevent 26 layoffs
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
February 9, 2008

It will take $3.6 million in new money to spare Columbus the pain of city-worker layoffs, reduced recreation-center hours and cuts in dozens of privately run social programs that rely on city help.

But in spelling out their changes yesterday to Mayor Michael B. Coleman's 2008 budget, City Council members said the relief probably is temporary.

"We're going to see rocky times in this city," said Council President Michael C. Mentel, who warned that difficult decisions this year could become excruciating in 2009...

"Clothes of a career" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Clothes of a career
Amy Saunders
The Columbus Dispatch
February 9, 2008

...So when Lynch, 69, retires and closes the store [at 146 E. Broad St.] at the end of the month, customers say the void Downtown will be much larger than the empty retail space.

"You can always find another place to buy a suit," said Jay Schoedinger, the vice chairman of Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service, who visits the store almost daily. "I'll miss the friendship."

The people are what Lynch will miss about the store, too. Socializing is what got him into retail in the first place, back in college...